Oklahoma fishing licenses are required by law to take fish within the Sooner State. You must buy a fishing license from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). The DWC is fully-funded and supported by the sale of fishing licenses to the public. Thus, purchasing a license to fish or hunt in the state regenerates the natural resources available in which to pursue wildlife. To get a fishing license in Oklahoma, applicants can apply in one of three different ways. The simplest method of completing the fishing license application process is to apply online through the DWC Hunting and Fishing Licenses Online License System. There is a small fee for applying using this method, but applicants will receive their OK fishing permit immediately, as it is available to print upon purchase. Fishing license applicants can also apply through an authorized license dealer. Individuals who are not residents of Oklahoma can also order licenses through the DWC licensing purchase phone line. Annual recreational licenses in Oklahoma are valid throughout the fishing season, from February until the end of the year on December 31. At that point, you must get a fishing permit renewal. There are options for short-term and lifetime licenses as well. To find out more about recreational fishing licenses and commercial fishing licenses in Oklahoma, read the sections below. In Oklahoma, there are two major types of licenses to fish to choose from:

New Oklahoma Fishing Licenses

Fishing licenses in Oklahoma for recreational purposes are referred to as new fishing licenses. New Oklahoma fishing license applicants can apply online or in person at an authorized DWC license dealer. However, prior to getting a recreational fishing license, determine what type of recreational fishing permit is needed and your residential status. To qualify as an Oklahoma resident, applicants must have been living in Oklahoma for at least six months prior to applying for a license to fish. Provide DWC officials with your valid Oklahoma driver’s license or a state-issued ID card when completing your fishing license application to receive the reduced-rate resident fishing license.

The easiest way to apply for a fishing license is online through the DWC Online License System. Individuals can purchase new licenses, duplicate licenses and other types of permits.

Currently, the Oklahoma DWC offers fishing licenses of varying lengths of validity. The standard recreational fishing license is an annual permit. There are also options for the following:

Combination fishing and hunting licenses

Lake Texoma licenses

Nonresident one-day licenses

Resident two-day licenses

Nonresident six-day licenses

Resident five-year licenses

There are also youth licenses to fish for children ages 16 to 17. Children 15 years old and younger do not need a permit to fish.

For dedicated anglers who are committed to a lifetime of fishing, lifetime OK fishing licenses are also available. Lifetime licenses are offered to Oklahoma residents and have a separate application available. Lifetime license applications can be submitted by mail or in person at a local Oklahoma DWC office.

Reduced-rate recreational fishing licenses are also available for residents of Oklahoma who are disabled military veterans, disabled civilians, active-duty military members or senior citizens. Active-duty military members who are not residents of Oklahoma but are stationed in the state can purchase their licenses at the residential rate.

When applying for a recreational fishing license in Oklahoma, you will be required to provide your Social Security Number, along with your identification during the application process.

Oklahoma Commercial Fishing Licenses

Oklahoma commercial fishing licenses are not currently offered for the purpose of mass catches and sales. The Oklahoma DWC does, however, offer Oklahoma commercial fishing permits to fishing guides throughout the state. Fishing guides in Oklahoma work for commercial purposes and are known to assist, accompany, transport, guide and aid other anglers in their fishing endeavors. They can also be either residents or nonresidents.

To get a commercial fishing permit as a guide, print and complete the Oklahoma DWC Fishing Guide License Application. Submit the form along with the required fees and proof of your legal presence in the U.S. Once you receive your Oklahoma commercial fishing license, you may begin fishing for business purposes.

Note: If you get a commercial fishing license for guides, you must still get a recreational fishing license if you would also like to fish yourself.

Fishing Frequently Asked Questions

Oftentimes you can buy a fishing license through your state’s fishing department website. You will most likely need to create an account on the webpage and have a printer nearby to finalize your transaction. Make sure to also have a valid credit card on hand, as no other form of payment is accepted by state departments online. Take note that, as proof of your residency, you may be required to enter your driver’s license number.

In a general sense, a good number of states offer the following types of fishing licenses: a regular fishing license and a commercial fishing license. Depending on where you reside, you may also have the option to get a saltwater license to fish, if you are by coastal waters. In addition to these permits, you may be required to buy a fishing stamp, depending on the specific type of fish species you intend to catch.

A regular fishing permit is often valid for the period of a full year. However, you may also have the option to obtain a license to fish that is good for 24 hours or 72 hours, for example. In some instances, a weekly fishing license or a lifetime license may also be available. Lifetime licenses to fish are the most suitable option for those anglers who intend to fish for the duration of their lives. Keep in mind that if you would like to continue fishing after the expiration date of your current licensure, you will be required to get a new permit to fish.

The fees related to a state fishing license may vary, depending on a few factors. But senior residents and military veterans can usually get a fishing license that is free of charge, as long as they can present official documentation that supports their residency or military service. Resident licenses to fish are often more affordable than nonresident licenses. The most costly licenses are for those who would like to get lifetime credentials.

In the event that you have lost your fishing license or it was stolen, the most common way to obtain a duplicate is through your state’s fishing department. You may be required to make an in-person visit to a nearby office or to contact a licensed agent directly. Depending on where you reside, you may also have the option to order a fishing permit replacement online. But, to be sure, it is important that you double check with your state department first, as you may also need to bring in certain documentation, such as your driver’s license or ID card.